Genesis 7:6 - Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came on the earth.

Generated Verse: Genesis 7:6

What does "Genesis 7:6" mean?


Genesis 7:6, "Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came on the earth," simply states the age of Noah at the onset of the Great Flood. It's a chronological marker within the narrative. Here's a breakdown of its significance:

Establishing a Timeline: The verse anchors the flood event in a specific timeframe related to Noah's life. It's part of a series of ages given for Noah and other figures in Genesis, providing a sense of history and lineage.

Emphasis on Noah's Long Life: The verse highlights the incredible lifespan attributed to figures in early Genesis. This contributes to the overall "feel" of ancient history, with figures having lifespans far beyond what humans experience today.

Context for God's Judgment: By stating Noah's age, the verse subtly emphasizes the duration of wickedness that existed on Earth before the flood. Noah lived for 600 years during a period of increasing corruption, underscoring the patience of God and the extent of human depravity. It implies a prolonged period where humanity had opportunities to repent but failed to do so.

Noah's Preparedness: While not explicitly stated, knowing Noah's age suggests he was likely long prepared for the flood. He'd been building the ark for many years, following God's instructions. This verse, therefore, indirectly supports the idea of Noah's obedience and faith over an extended period.

The verse itself is a straightforward statement of fact, but its significance lies in how it fits within the broader story and themes of the Genesis narrative: chronology, the extraordinary lifespans of early humans, God's judgment, and Noah's faithfulness.

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